Iconic Photographer Annie Leibovitz Shoots Unconventional Lincoln Continental Campaign

  • The modern interpretation of Lincoln’s flagship vehicle will be featured in a series of photographs built around a road-trip storyline
  • Annie Leibovitz, considered by many to be one of the greatest living portrait photographers, is known for unconventional and inspirational photos of celebrities and high-profile events; this is her first foray into car photography
  • The new 2017 Lincoln Continental, the ultimate in quiet luxury and effortless power, is heralded for its superior craftsmanship, inviting interiors and design details; it’s the main character in the unique storyline of the campaign

Annie Leibovitz introduced the 2017 Lincoln Continental as the main character in the unique storyline of an engaging photo campaign. (Photo: Business Wire)

DEARBORN, Mich.--()--Acclaimed photographer Annie Leibovitz called on memories of childhood trips and the romance of the open road as inspiration for a series of photographs to introduce the highly anticipated Lincoln Continental, now in dealer showrooms.

“That’s Continental,” is the tagline for a series of Leibovitz photo spreads that will appear, uncredited, in high-end print publications as well as social media feeds beginning Oct. 10.

“We partnered with the world’s pre-eminent portrait photographer to launch the new Lincoln flagship,” says Kumar Galhotra, president of The Lincoln Motor Company. “Annie Leibovitz is a photographer of substance. The rich, warm emotions her photos evoke mirror the feelings we want our clients to experience on all their journeys in the new Lincoln Continental.”

Leibovitz, admired for her use of bold color and unconventional poses, has photographed celebrities, literary icons, politicians and high-profile events. Her work has included covers for Rolling Stone and Vanity Fair – the latest featuring rock legend Bruce Springsteen. This is her first foray into car photography.

“Annie creates rich, engaging narratives through her photographs,” says John Emmert, group marketing manager of The Lincoln Motor Company. “And in this story, the Continental is the key character that enables a memorable journey.”

The new Lincoln Continental is the ultimate in quiet luxury and effortless power, heralded for its superior craftsmanship, inviting interior and thoughtful design details. The vehicle has been expressly designed for discerning clients seeking a world-class driving experience.

The photos for the campaign were shot in and around New York City with a small group – Leibovitz, her crew and the non-professional models – an actor, an artist, a musician and a film director (who brought along his dog, Seven, also featured in the photos).

The choice of surrounding the Continental with non-professional models reflects Leibovitz’ insistence on authenticity – another trait she shares with the Lincoln brand.

Although the original assignment required only six photos, Leibovitz, true to her nature, researched a route and created an entire narrative that was inspired by childhood road trips she took with her father.

“She said that’s how she first developed her photographic eye – by looking out the back window at the horizontal framing of the landscapes of America,” says Emmert. “So in the end, we have 10 different shots that tell a story with a nice backdrop of rural and urban – and all decidedly unconventional in terms of car photography.”

While the car has been completely redesigned and re-interpreted, the name – and the history – still resonates with the public.

“That’s why we’re using ‘That’s Continental,’ as our launch theme,” says Emmert. “It suggests a continental approach to life, as well. Being curious, being confident, wanting to know more … it’s the embodiment of Lincoln.”

For more information and behind-the-scenes video, see lincolncontinental.com/roadtrip

About The Lincoln Motor Company

The Lincoln Motor Company is the luxury automotive brand of Ford Motor Company, committed to creating compelling vehicles with an exceptional ownership experience to match. For more information about The Lincoln Motor Company, please visit media.lincoln.com or www.lincoln.com. Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/lincoln.

Contacts

The Lincoln Motor Company
Said Deep, 313-594-0942
sdeep@lincoln.com
or
Vanessa Bohlscheid, 313-322-4667
vbohlsch@lincoln.com

Release Summary

Iconic photographer Annie Leibovitz has introduced the highly anticipated 2017 Lincoln Continental in a series of engaging photos that feature the vehicle in a unique roadtrip storyline

Contacts

The Lincoln Motor Company
Said Deep, 313-594-0942
sdeep@lincoln.com
or
Vanessa Bohlscheid, 313-322-4667
vbohlsch@lincoln.com